Chapter 3.

2 The Cell Cycle

In this section students will explore the phases of cell division.

Achievement Chart Categories

Knowledge/Understanding

Assessment Opportunities/Specific Expectation Addressed

Practice Questions Understanding Concepts, q. 111 GC1.01

Assessment Tools
Rubric 1: Knowledge/Understanding

Inquiry Communication Making Connections

Rubric 2: Inquiry Skills Rubric 3: Communication Rubric 4: Making Connections

Expectations Addressed
Specific Expectations: GC1.01 - demonstrate an understanding of the process and importance of mitosis (e.g., cell division and the phases of mitosis);

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Like the entire organism, each cell has its own life cycle. Most cells spend the greatest length of time carrying out their normal cell activities during Interphase. When the cell begins to divide, the DNA in the nucleus must form a copy of itself within the nucleus. At this point, the cell is said to be in Prophase. The remaining phases are usually rapid and result in the formation of two nearly identical daughter cells.

Related Background Resources Nelson Science 9 There are several videos available, such as Microscopy Prelab Series (video) Mitosis, McIntyre Media Limited, 905 678 9866 www.science.nelson.com

PLANNING
Suggested Time Teaching time: 30 to 60 minutes Practice Questions: 40 to 60 minutes Core Student Resources

ADDRESSING ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTIONS

At the end of Interphase, the amount of DNA is increased in the nucleus. DNA consists of a right hand strand and a left hand strand. The strands separate and the original right hand strand forms a new left hand strand. Likewise, the original left hand strand forms a new right hand strand. The amount of DNA is therefore doubled. At the level of the chromosome, this is often referred to as the duplication of the chromosome. However, at the level of the DNA this process is called replication, as each strand forms a replica of the opposite strand and not a duplicate of itself.

Lab and Study Blackline Masters

Core Instructional Resources

Colour Transparencies Lab and Study Blackline Masters

Supplemental Resources

Solutions Manual Computer Test Bank Lab and Study Blackline Masters

TEACHING SUGGESTIONS
The names of the parts of the chromosome, and the cell parts that are associated with cell division are quite
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Chapter 3 2-21

similar. Students will encounter confusion if they are not sure as to the meaning of the terms. Teachers may wish to have students from a glossary, perhaps illustrated, to define:

Chromosme, chromatin, chromatid, centrioles, centromere

2-22 Unit 2 Genetic Continuity

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